Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
One of the great resources available to pet owners and veterinarians is petpoisonhelpline.com. Their number is (800) 213-6680. For a small fee (around $40) you can receive 24/7 assistance if you have concern that your pet has come in contact with toxins. Upon receiving your case number, please provide it to your veterinarian who can call and …
Continue reading “Call the Pet Poison Helpline for Toxin Information”
Pyometra is a life-threatening condition found in intact female dogs. The word pyo means pus and metra means uterus so the translation is a pus-filled uterus. This condition usually occurs in middle age to older females about four to twelve weeks after a heat cycle. During estrus or heat, the cervix opens to give sperm access to the …
I love to snorkel. I float on the surface of the water, watching all the activity below. Unfortunately, coral reefs all over the world are in decline. These complex ecosystems are struggling to adapt to the pollution, unregulated harvesting of fish and coral, as well as, climate change. Knowing this, I was surprised to see coral (black, red, gold and …
Continue reading “Praise to Na Hoku Jewelers for Refusing to Sell Coral Jewelry”
Health certificates are sometimes required for pets to travel. The purpose is to allow veterinarians to fulfill our public health role and prevent the spread of contagious disease. In addition, some airlines require a statement of acclimation, which means the pet can tolerate the temperatures it will be exposed to during travel. Here are my suggestions for navigating this issue. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: …
As a veterinarian, nothing is more frustrating than having to euthanize a beloved pet because of financial constraints. Medical care for both humans and animals is expensive due to the cost of supplies, staff wages and the high cost of veterinary/medical college. Most clinics offer Care Credit which allows a family to make payments over …
Continue reading “Financial Help For Pet Medical Treatments”
Hawaii is home to a variety of birds, many of which are endangered. The seabirds pictured below only come to shore to reproduce. The birds were hatched in the Princeville area of Kauai, spent three years at sea then returned to find a mate. They won’t produce eggs until eight years of age. This species of bird …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Endangered Seabird”
Antifreeze and engine coolant are poisonous to humans and animals. Unfortunately, the substance is reported to have a sweet taste that attracts both children and animals. Once inside the body, the toxic principle is metabolized into a chemical that destroys the kidneys. I remember seeing the kidneys of a dog who lapped a little spilled …
The Sea Life Park of Hawaii has been trying to help the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population by releasing hatchings from artificial nest sites back into the ocean. In 1989, a few hatchlings were held back and raised at various locations across the United States and Canada. When the turtles upper shell reached 40cm or …
Continue reading “Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles Get A Helping Hand”
Pictured below is the rear end of a middle-aged female dog. Her tail is to the left and her legs are pulled forward, to the right. The dog had a normal heat cycle four months prior. The owners noticed that she was sleeping more than normal and picking at her food. A day later, they noticed a …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Vaginal Discharge In A Dog”
Med-Vet International has issued a voluntary recall for insulin syringes distributed across the United States. The 1/2cc U-40 syringes were labeled incorrectly. The affected syringes were labeled as 40 units per 1/2 cc when they are actually 20 units per 1/2 cc. If used as labeled, only half the desired dose of insulin will be …